Monday, June 15, 2009

Reflections about Tim

Today I sat in the county court room in Oklahoma City to see if my son Tim would be released from jail. He has had many challenges, mental and physical, and it is difficult to see him going through these struggles. Admittedly some of them are a result of his bad choices and behavior but never the less it is often heart-breaking for a mother.

A couple weeks ago I was going through some pictures that my dad had of my family and also looking at the scrapbook I had done for Tim. It brought back memories of many happy times with Tim.


The showdown: Tim and the Hippo


Look mom--muscles!


Tim was always trying to prove he had muscles--possibly because he didn't have his growth spurt until he was about 16. The younger picture was taken in 1986 (11 y/o) the other one I thing was in 1997. I thought it was funny that he had almost the same stance and expression!


Tim and his sis, Sara


He also loved his sister. In the first picture I think she was about 4or 5 and he would have been 7 or 8. The older picture was probably in 1997-1998. (As some of you know, Sara went to be with the Lord in 2006.)


In the last several months Tim has renewed his relationship with the Lord. He continues to have hope for his future. He would like to be a witness for the Lord, possibly be a missionary. I have to continue to believe that the Lord can, indeed, use him. There are 2 verses that I have claimed for Tim. The first one is Isaiah 61: 1-3 "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me...to bind up and heal the brokenhearted,...to proclaim liberty to the captives. ...To grant consolation to those who mourn, to give them an ornament of beauty instead of ashes."
The second one is Joel 2:25 "And I will restore or replace for you the years that the locusts has eaten;"

Tim was released from jail today. He received a suspended sentence and will be on probation with some community service required. My prayer is that he truly will have a clear and sound mind and be able to begin again to have a productive and purposeful life. I pray that because of his experiences he will be able to be an encouragement and testimony to others.

6 comments:

Becky said...

Donna, It is wondrful that Tim was released from jail. I will pray for him for continued good thoughts and ability to make a difference. I will also pray for you becasue I know as a mom how you feel for your son.

Andy Rowell said...

We love Tim too and pray for good things.

andy

Rebecca said...

I believe this is good news. I know youll have some busy hours getting things lined up, etc. I hope/pray you can make some good connections to help Tim take steps toward wholeness and holiness. God is with you, Donna.

Brenda said...

This made me cry as I read it and looked at the photos. I, too, remember good times with Tim and Sara. You have been a good mother, loving Tim always through the good and not good times. Blessings on you and Tim. You are in my prayers. I love you.

Dee said...

Donna my friend, you are such an inspiration. I am glad Tim was released. My heart hurts for you. Dee

Cindy said...

I'm happy for you that Tim is now out of jail. Be assured that the Lord will use Tim and this experience to His glory and to minister to others.